Program Specialist - ODS

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Department of State Health Services seeks a Program Specialist III to support the Cancer Epidemiology & Surveillance Branch. The role involves complex data evaluation, abstracting, coding, and quality control to ensure accurate cancer registry data.

Under supervision, you will assist with reporting, training CESB staff, and maintaining compliance with national standards. The position requires analytical skills and collaboration across teams in a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of data utilization, data collection, data retrieval and data quality assurance procedures.
• Knowledge of ICD-O coding schemes (ICD-O-3, 3.2) and cancer registry guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex consultative and technical work evaluating, collecting, organizing, and analyzing information for the Texas Cancer Registry.
• Perform cancer reporting, casefinding, abstracting, coding, and data quality activities to ensure reliable data.
• Assist with training CESB staff and support registry operations and quality assurance.

Skills

Data quality assurance

ICD-O coding

Data analysis

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Travel readiness

Tools

Microsoft Office

cancer registry software

edits software

Job description

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Job Details

Functional Title: Program Specialist - ODS Job Title: Program Specialist III Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: Cancer Epidemiology & Surveill Posting Number: 21474 Closing Date: 09/29/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Salary Range: $4,020.33- $5,178.00 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework Travel: Up to 15% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Job Location City: HOUSTON Job Location Address: 5425 POLK ST Other Locations: Arlington; Austin MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description

Under the supervision of the Registry Operations Manager and Lead, performs complex consultative work in evaluating, collecting, organizing, and analyzing information for the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR), Cancer Epidemiology & Surveillance Branch (CESB). Performs administrative and technical assistance work required to support cancer data reporting, compliance, and cancer data dissemination in the CESB and the Health Service Regions. Performs complex technical work in quality control review and evaluation of incoming cancer reports and/or medical records submitted by reporting institutions and/or coded by staff. Performs casefinding, abstracting, coding, and other data quality activities. Conducts quality control review and analysis to ensure reliability, completeness, consistency, and comparability of cancer registry data. Assists with planning and recommending techniques, standards, policies, and procedures for CESB cancer incidence reporting activities. Assists with training and evaluating CESB staff. Supports TCR mission and objectives. Work is performed under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and action.

Essential Job Functions

• (40%) Performs complex administrative, consultative, and technical work in evaluating, collecting, organizing, and analyzing information related to cancer registry follow back activities, data linkages, program staff support, and reporting facility assistance. Serves as a technical resource for activities related to compliance, casefinding, abstracting, coding, review, and follow back. Duties include identifying reportable cancers, abstracting relevant cancer information from available reporting sources, coding first-course cancer, staging, and treatment information, and evaluating cancer information from data linkages. Provides consultative and highly technical assistance in evaluating registry reporting software and analyzing registry data using EDITs software to ensure cancer registration standards are met. Prepares reports of findings and makes recommendations to improve efficiency and data quality. Participates in analyzing cancer registry operations that affect follow back and cancer reporting quality and prepares recommendations and justifications for changes to CESB policies, procedures, or program guidelines. Evaluates changes in national cancer quality assurance follow back and data linkage processes and procedures and assists with modifying CESB systems and procedures as needed to support compliance. Monitors studies and analyses of registry operations initiated internally and by external national organizations, such as NAACCR and the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR), and prepares detailed, comprehensive reports of findings.

• (35%) Evaluates, collects, organizes, and analyzes information related to CESB cancer registry activities. Assists with implementing procedures for improvement or initiation of new national requirements. Participates in monitoring and providing technical guidance to TCR staff in the development and integration of new quality assurance methods, cancer registration guidelines, and procedures for registry operations and quality control standards associated with the TCR database system. Performs cancer reporting and casefinding follow back activities, reviews and visually edits cancer records by utilizing multiple versions of International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O) coding schemes, Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER), American College of Surgeons (ACoS), North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), and TCR reporting handbooks. Participates in preparing Registry Operations policy and procedure manuals and cancer reporting materials. Provides technical guidance to regional staff on cancer reporting coding, casefinding studies, and documentation of casefinding reports. Contacts reporting facilities regarding data discrepancies by telephone and written correspondence.

• (20%) Collects, organizes, evaluates, and analyzes information to assist the Registry Operations Group Manager and Regional Operations Manager with proposed work plans for team members involved in data linkages, casefinding, follow back activities, internal facility profiles, cancer software testing, and meaningful use activities. Assists with training, reviewing TCR staff work, and providing feedback to the Registry Operations Manager and Team Lead. Assists in evaluating the completeness and timeliness of cancer data reporting and updates to the Reporter Plus application.

• (5%) Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Oncology Data Specialist - Certified (ODS-C)

Knowledge Skills Abilities

• Knowledge of data utilization, data collection, data retrieval and data quality assurance procedures.
• Knowledge of multiple versions of International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O) coding schemes (ICD-O-3, 3.2), oncology; anatomy; medical terminology; data collection and retrieval procedures and cancer registry edit criteria.
• Knowledge of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).
• Technical knowledge of cancer registration, including knowledge of multiple SEER, ACoS, and NAACCR guidelines and standards; and of multiple versions and multiple disease staging and treatment scheme criteria of NAACCR cancer registry edits criteria.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of management and interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Knowledge of organizational structure, administrative structure and program expectations.
• Knowledge of maintaining confidential medical information and documentation.
• Skills in the use of Microsoft Office, Windows, cancer registry software, and edits software.
• Skill in clear, concise, and effective written and verbal communication with a variety of professional and lay audiences.
• Ability to analyze and interpret information and problem solve.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments/projects with varying deadlines.
• Ability to analyze and interpret coded data, and to monitor and identify problems in coding and case ascertainment.
• Ability to read and interpret laws, policies, and procedures governing cancer reporting.
• Ability to work well and effectively with others in a cooperative and productive manner.
• Ability to create a work environment that encourages productive discussion and problem-solving regarding cancer reporting issues.
• Ability to actively participate and plan team meetings.
• Ability to adapt and modify behavior in response to changes in situations and/or priorities.
• Ability to abide by DSHS Guiding Principles, Code of Ethics and Standard of Conduct.
• Ability to exercise good judgement in evaluating situations and making recommendations. Ability to plan, organize, lead and manage the efforts of others.
• Ability to understand, explain, implement and adhere to the Texas Incidence reporting Law and Rules, public health law and departmental policies.
• Ability to abide by DSHS Universal Expectations for Personal Responsibility.
• Ability to travel on short notice.

Initial Screening Criteria

Oncology Data Specialist - Certified (ODS-C)

Experience with cancer registration

Additional Information

Applicant will be required to complete a skills assessment exercise at the conclusion of the oral interview.

Prior to beginning employment, employees/applicants who indicate they hold a degree from an institution of higher education must provide an original college transcript indicating they earned a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree from a U.S. college or university or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at [e-mail].

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, And Work Eligibility

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements , applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form